Dental FAQs

Do you offer anesthetic free dentals?

No. Anesthetic free dentals are actually illegal here when not overseen by a veterinarian as unfortunately seen at groomers, and do little to prevent periodontal disease. Groomers offering to do so are unable to scale under the gumline where the majority of problems are. They cannot perform x-rays to determine if a tooth is diseased, in need of extraction or needs restoration. An awake animal will only allow you to do so much in their mouth and forcing them to undergo a scaling procedure awake is not the safest thing you can do. Think of it as getting your teeth cleaned by your hairdresser. Need some more information? Check out the American Veterinary Dental College.

Why are dental x-rays important?

X-rays can help us know more about what is going on in your pets mouth below the gumline. If your pet has missing teeth we can see if there is a root left behind or an infection. Some teeth can have very difficult-to-extract roots and knowing where they are is very important. There are instances where there can be bone loss and extracting a diseased tooth might require a specialist so as not to cause injury. Teeth that look perfectly fine can sometimes surprise us by what their roots might show.

My pet is eating fine so that means their teeth are not bothering them, right?

Pets can be extremely stoic when it comes to pain. They will often mask things wrong with them because that’s what they would need to do in the wild to survive. Even if your pet is eating their food normally, that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything wrong. We have seen animals eating perfectly fine with teeth that can be removed with only fingers.

What can I do to keep my pet’s teeth clean?

Brushing is the best way to keep a healthy mouth, both for us and our pets. A small toothbrush and pet specific toothpaste can help keep your pet from developing gingivitis and tarter so quickly. Don’t use human toothpaste as those can be unsafe for animals. Other options are water additives and mouth rinses, excellent for both additional care and pets that don’t tolerate brushing. There are also dental specific diets that help in scaling the teeth that can be given as full meals or as treats. For dogs, flat dental rawhides to chew on are also very helpful. We carry many of these items here and are more than happy to help you choose the right ones for your pets.

Do you offer anything else to help my pet’s teeth so I don’t have to bring them in for cleanings so often?

Yes! We offer another option to help keep your pet’s mouth healthy if you are unable to brush at home. SANOS aids in the prevention of periodontal disease. SANOS is a treatment done while your pet is undergoing their dental cleaning. It helps to form a barrier along the gingival sulcus and will last for 4 – 6 months, helping to inhibit the growth of bacteria.

For additional information on Dentals and the importance of x-rays check out this AAHA article!